It took less than 24 hours after D’Angelo Russell had agreed to join the Warriors via sign-and-trade for the trade speculation to begin. Marc Stein of The New York Times suggested during a July 1 radio appearance that Russell isn’t a long-term fit in Golden State, adding that it’s “just a matter of when” – not “if” – he’ll be dealt.
Speaking to reporters, including Nick Friedell of ESPN, on Monday for the first time as a Warrior, Russell acknowledged that a trade is a possibility at some point down the road (he can’t be dealt until at least December 15). However, D-Lo didn’t make it sound as if he’ll be stressing about that scenario.
“That’s the business of it,” Russell said. “It is what it is. You put yourself in a position to go somewhere for a long period of time, and it may not be what it is a year later. And that’s the business. I’ve come to a realization of that, and I understand that, so whatever situation I’m in, I know the business side of it, so we’ll just see. I can’t predict it.”
For now, Russell slots in next to Stephen Curry in what should be a dynamic Warriors’ starting backcourt. It will be interesting how the team manages its lineup when longtime shooting guard Klay Thompson is ready to return from his torn ACL later in the 2019/20 season.
Here’s more on the Warriors:
- In their press release confirming the trade that sent Andre Iguodala to Memphis, the Warriors also announced that they plan on retiring Iguodala’s No. 9. “He has been absolutely vital to our success during five consecutive appearances in the NBA Finals and three championships,” team owner Joe Lacob said of Iguodala. “We thank Andre for all of his contributions and look forward to seeing his number in the rafters at Chase Center.”
- The Warriors are hiring Theo Robertson to fill a player development opening on their coaching staff, tweets Anthony Slater of The Athletic. Robertson played college ball at Cal in the late 2000s and has since held jobs with the Warriors, Lakers, and his alma mater. He’ll replace Willie Green, who joined Monty Williams‘ staff in Phoenix.
- In an in-depth article for The Mercury News, Mark Medina explores how the Warriors first discovered young big man Alen Smailagic, how he impressed the team, and why management fully believes in his potential. The 39th overall pick officially signed his first NBA contract this week, as we relayed earlier today.
Smailagic,Poole,Eric, and Evans can all contribute in the Warriors rotation next season. Although I believe Kerr will likely use Eric and Poole since they seem to be more polished than Smailagic and Evans but I could be wrong.
I’ve been a critic of Evans, but I’ll give him his due he has looked much better in the summer league games.
Pump ur breaks. Just look at the competition he’s playing. Then see if he does the same with the real teams.
Any chance of the Lakers packaging a deal that might include Kuzma and others for Russell?
No. Lakers only have (1) Young promising and semi proven talent in Kuzma.
The Warriors will get plenty of better trade packages from other teams. That’s the reality when you trade all of your assets for one player (Anthony Davis).
Dubs wouldn’t have wanted any of those guys either. They will end up flipping D-Lo at the trade deadline for expiring contracts and draft picks if Klay’s recovery goes well.
Does every article have a Lakers fan proposing every player ever goes to the Lakers?
Spoken like a Lakers hater. As a Lakers fan I’m thinking where would he play anyway. NBA insiders have even said the Lakers roster right now is arguably the most complete and loaded roster in the league. You got LeBron, green,Kuzma call,AD and cousins. Then you got the bench which Russell would never agree to that has rondo, Bradley, pope, Stevenson and cook just to name a few. There is no spot for him on the Lakers and even if they did trade for him which they won’t what starter is getting plucked out. You know the definition of a hater? Someone jealous of something someone else has so I’ll keep on hating.a
Hey goldenmisfit, get a clue. The dude didn’t offer any criticism of the lakers. He criticized Laker FANS. Likely someone like you. So I’m gonna say he was on point. Thanks for validating the dude.
In no way shape or form are the Lakers a complete team, let alone the best in league. They have 4 players. They don’t even have a quality 5 man starting group. I hope you don’t write your own press releases…
lakers are the best team only according to their sport writers. So many players changing teams this year it is impossible to say who has the best team in the west right now. Team chemistry means everything and don’t forget Celtics were supposed to be the best in the east last year and they were 4th best at the end of the year.
1. I dont understand why D Russ agreed to this? Why not just be difficult and pick you own landing spot? This whole scenario is odd.
2. The Warriors are so thirsty. This announcing of retiring of players jerseys while there still playing screams a team who wants to make business decisions, but is afraid people are going to think theyre cruel. It feels very much like a social hedge which in turn feels in authentic. Im all the only one that feels that way?
Got the most money this way
Yes. There might not be another team willing to give him the max. So money vs freedom he chose money.
1. Russ got the max; maybe GSW was the only opportunity; nobody has said otherwise yet.
2. I hat number-retiring. Just hang a banner with his number on it and be done with it. Let new players wear #9 if they want to.
GSW mgmt is clearly trying to make up for trading Iguodala away… I would call it popularity-seeking politicking, and a bit awkward when MEM comes to town. I like the term “social hedge” for an NBA situation! Not sure about in-authentic.
Only a few teams had max slots, none good. That’s why so many sign and trades this year.
1. He got the max, if he picked his own route he may have not gotten that.
2. “Inauthentic” – agree im hating on Myers everyday – he actually sucks as a GM and most likely only looked good because of the logo. The way iggy and Livingston have been cast aside is tasteless and speaks to an organizations definitely not trending upward.
He agreed to it because there was no deal happening elsewhere at those dollars. So he will get a one year run with the Dubs then get dealt in the offseason.
Warriors gonna retired everyone’s jersey now?
Minnesota wants him, but the only piece you want from them is KAT. Would need to find a Wiggins lover.
Can anyone put together a list of players who had their numbers retired with less than 3000 points with the franchise? Iguodala and who?…gotta be a super short list.